Study: Safest Cities in Arkansas 2016

The beauty of the Ozarks is just one reason to consider making your home in Arkansas. The many safe, secure towns and cities in the Natural State also pack a lot of appeal for incoming and existing residents.

Safest Cities in Arkansas © CreditDonkey

Curious about which cities are the safest? CreditDonkey has the answers.

Despite the fact that Arkansas’ population is increasing, Arkansas’s overall crime rate has declined. Between 2013 and 2014, the state had a notable drop in its property crime rate, with the number of burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle thefts falling across the board.

That’s good news if a move to Arkansas is in the works. Already live here? You’ll also want to keep reading to see which cities rate as the safest places to settle down.

Study Methodology

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Report for 2014 was the primary source of our analysis. We examined both violent and property crime report information for Arkansas cities with a population of 2,000 or more.

Violent crime is defined as:

• Murder
  
• Rape
  
• Robbery
  
• Aggravated assault

Property crime includes:

• Burglary
  
• Larceny
  
• Motor vehicle theft
  
• Arson

To finalize our rankings, we analyzed the number of violent and property crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, along with the number of robberies and burglaries per 1,000 inhabitants. We decided to put robberies and burglaries in the spotlight because they tend to occur more often and are likely to be of greater concern to residents.

Each city was assigned a CreditDonkey safety score, based on those four criteria. Our rankings reflect the 50 cities that had the lowest and therefore best safety score. They’re ranked below, beginning with the safest city first.

Safest Cities 2016: Rankings

1. Greenbrier

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 0.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 0.3

Greenbrier is far and away Arkansas’s safest place to be, with a grand total of one violent crime and six property crimes reported in 2014. It’s the only city on our list that didn’t register any burglaries at all, and there were no murders, rapes or robberies either. You’ll have no worries as you go about the many things there are to do here, including golfing, fishing, and even an indoor walking track.

2. Danville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 5.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.0

Danville is one of many cities in our rankings with a small population; it just barely meets our 2,000-resident criteria. Smallness is an advantage where crime is concerned. Danville’s violent crime rate for 2014 climbed to a whopping two incidents, and it had a total of four robberies.

3. Bella Vista

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 6.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.1

Bella Vista can be roughly translated to “beautiful view” or “beautiful sight,” and that’s an apt way to describe this town of nearly 28,000 people. What was once a summer resort area has become a thriving community composed mainly of retirees who come in search of a safe place to spend their later years.

4. Greenwood

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 5.3
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.2

Greenwood is a self-described small town with big ideas. It’s the kind of place where you can feel comfortable raising a family or starting a business. Greenwood’s police department has a long tradition of forming partnerships with citizens, which has led to an enhanced sense of safety and a higher quality of life.

5. Hoxie

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 5.5
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 2.9

Hoxie is south of Walnut Ridge, another city that’ll be making an appearance on our list later on. Though small in size, it delivers a safe backdrop as residents go about their daily activities without having to be overly concerned about crime.

6. Lake City

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.2

“Peace, Quiet, Home” is the mantra in Lake City, and you’ll find all three in abundance. The city is always working on new ways to protect citizens, such as setting sights on keeping kids feeling safe as they make their way to school by foot or by bike. The Safe Route to School Program is just one of the latest safety initiatives Lake City’s leadership has in the works.

7. Centerton

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.6
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 8.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.3

Centerton calls itself the most exciting town in northwest Arkansas largely because of its central location in Benton County. In addition access to hundreds of restaurants and places to shop, this community has a lot of things to do that’ll keep you on your toes. One thing you can cross off the list, however, is worrying about crime because the Centerton P.D. will head it off before it begins.

8. Shannon Hills

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.3

Shannon Hills has Irish roots, but residents here don’t rely on luck to keep their crime rate low. Instead, they look to the city’s dedicated police officers, who give 100% to ensure that citizens are able to go about their day in safety.

9. Little Flock

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.4

If you prefer a small rural community to the big city, Little Flock is the answer. Around 2,700 people live here, and they have one of the best violent crime rates in our rankings, with just four reports made for all of 2014. There were 25 reports on the property crime side.

10. Charleston

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 3.7

The Charleston Police Department is concerned with the health, safety and well-being of all the citizens it’s charged with protecting. The fact that there were zero robberies and only 10 burglaries reported in 2014 shows they take their responsibilities seriously.

11. Cave Springs

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 11.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.2

The natural scenery is one of the things residents like best about living in Cave Springs. They’re not complaining about the crime rate either, which amounted to 30 reports altogether for all of 2014. All three of the violent crimes reported were aggravated assaults.

12. Lavaca

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 9.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.3

Lavaca provides an ideal backdrop for raising children, relaxing in retirement or just getting a fresh start. This close-knit community is one where you can rest easy at night knowing that crime isn’t lurking around every corner.

13. White Hall

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.3

White Hall is a highly livable city for people of all ages; it’s one where public safety is high on local leaders’ priority list. The accomplished police department takes pride in being a progressive organization that keeps residents as safe as possible.

14. Elkins

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 13.3
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.6

The city of Elkins is tucked away in the Ozark Mountains, but it’s become a haven of sorts for young professionals who work in nearby cities like Fayetteville. It also attracts visitors who are looking for a safe spot to fish and canoe along the White River.

15. West Fork

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 13.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.7

This is another city that’s close to Fayetteville and like Elkins, West Fork offers a safe abode for professionals and families alike. The West Fork Police Department is always ready to respond when help is needed to thwart crime.

16. Hamburg

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 10.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.0
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.8

Life in Hamburg moves at a slightly slower pace, but that’s quite alright with the city’s 2,800 residents. Highly rated schools, a low crime rate and charming neighborhoods are some of Hamburg’s best features. Local law enforcement strives to keep the peace at all times.

17. Bono

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 13.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9

Bono sits about 12 miles to the northwest of Jonesboro as an agreeable little hideaway for escaping big-city crime rates. One rape and three aggravated assaults comprised the violent crime rate for 2014, while the number of property crimes came to 28.

18. Brookland

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.6
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9

Due east of Bono is the city of Brookland, which rivals its neighbor’s reputation for safety. The number of violent crimes equaled seven in 2014, a year that saw 33 property crimes here. We applaud Brookland’s police department and citizens for being proactive in keeping crime to a minimum.

19. Gentry

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 13.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 4.9

Gentry’s roots run deep. Though its look has changed over the years, the same atmosphere of security and community remains. The crime rate is extraordinarily low, with a dozen violent crimes reported in 2014. No rapes or robberies factored into that number.

20. Gurdon

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.9
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.0

Local lore has it that some parts of Gurdon are the sites of supernatural happenings, but the talk hasn’t deterred newcomers from putting down stakes here. If you see anything out of the ordinary, you can call on the Gurdon Police Department to investigate suspicious activity.

21. Pottsville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.0

Pottsville overflows with old-fashioned charm, and the historic downtown is an excellent place for an afternoon stroll. Pottsville reported one robbery and 10 burglaries in 2014, which is reassuring if you’re concerned about its safety record.

22. Vilonia

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.1

Vilonia’s a nice place to visit and an even nicer place to live, especially if you want to feel safe at home, at work, or out and about. The Vilonia Police Department maintains a presence in residential neighborhoods, business districts and local schools to make sure residents are secure.

23. Lowell

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.3

The Lowell Police Department has a number of goals and foremost among them are promoting public safety and preserving quality of life. Officers work tirelessly to ensure that they aren’t falling short of those targets.

24. Austin

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 14.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.3

Just under 3,000 people live in Austin, and a lot of them have young children. On the crime front, fewer than 50 crimes were reported here in 2014. That figure included one robbery and 14 burglaries.

25. Cherokee Village

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 14.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.6

Natural beauty is plentiful in the city of Cherokee Village, which lies in the heart of the Ozarks. A golf course, nature trails and two lakes offer numerous recreational opportunities for residents of all ages to enjoy in safety.

26. Corning

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 17.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 2.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

Agriculture is a major element of Corning’s economy, and it’s a great place to be if you desire a rural lifestyle. Corning’s 3,200 residents saw 13 violent crimes reported in 2014, with no murders or robberies. Out of 55 property crimes, there were eight burglaries.

27. Gravette

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 16.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 5.9

Gravette, “The Heart of Hometown America,” is an exceptionally family-friendly city located west of Bentonville. Gravette’s police department is constantly growing and evolving in its quest to provide residents with the most superior service possible.

28. Judsonia

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.0
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.5
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 8.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.4

Judsonia is the smallest of the cities to be included in our rankings, and it wowed us with its low violent crime rate. There was one robbery and one aggravated assault reported in 2014, along with 31 property crimes. These relatively low numbers speak volumes about its safety.

29. Prairie Grove

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 19.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.4

Prairie Grove is a city that’s ripe with opportunity while providing a hometown experience to anyone looking for beautiful neighborhoods, good schools and a tightly woven community. Its livability factor is accentuated by the infrequence of violent and property crime.

30. Walnut Ridge

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 19.6
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.5

Protecting and serving are two things the Walnut Ridge Police Department does very well, as evidenced by the city’s placement in our rankings. No robberies or murders were reported in 2014, and the burglary rate was also low, at 15 counts total.

31. Lincoln

• Violent crime per 1,000: 9.6
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 12.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 4.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.6

Lincoln Lake is the place to be during the spring, summer and fall months. Whether you like to canoe, kayak or fish, you can do it all here in safety. Once October rolls around, you’ll want to rub elbows with your neighbors at Lincoln’s Arkansas Apple Festival.

32. Maumelle

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 22.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 6.8

Maumelle’s police department believes in community outreach, and they offer programs like the Citizens Police Academy and Youth Explorers to get locals involved. That cooperative spirit is part of what helps the department to keep the crime rate from climbing.

33. Dermott

• Violent crime per 1,000: 5.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 13.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 8.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.0

Residents of Dermott believe in celebrating the area’s local history, and a visit here is like turning back the clock. Though the community maintains an old-fashioned feel, the Dermott Police Department employs the most up-to-date methods to keep the streets safe.

34. Gassville

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.5
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 23.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.0

Gassville is a small town with a level of resources, services and convenience you’d expect in someplace much bigger. It’s also got a crime rate that sets it well apart from many of Arkansas’ larger cities, with zero murders, robberies or aggravated assaults reported in 2014.

35. Warren

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.9
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.2
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 16.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 9.9
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.5

The Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival is one of the social highlights of the year in Warren and one of Arkansas’s longest-running public events. The Warren Police Department is always in attendance to make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience.

36. Clinton

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 21.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 7.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.5

Clinton is the “Gateway to the Ozarks,” and it’s one of Arkansas’s oldest communities. The lush scenery, paired with a notably safe environment, make it well-suited for people who desire a low-key way of life.

37. Barling

• Violent crime per 1,000: 8.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 20.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 1.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.6

Barling is part of the Fort Smith metropolitan area and many of its residents commute there for work. They get to come home to a town where crime doesn’t overrun the streets and there are plenty of smiling, friendly faces.

38. Star City

• Violent crime per 1,000: 7.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.4
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 15.6
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 7.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.7

Over the years, Star City has moved from a largely agricultural town to one that’s more industry-based. That change hasn’t affected its crime rate, however, and Star City remains one of the Pine Bluff metro area’s safest locales.

39. De Queen

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 22.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 6.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 7.8

Community policing is at the heart of how the De Queen Police Department approaches controlling crime. Officers patrol around the clock, and they aid with setting up neighborhood watch programs so that citizens can take a more active role in protecting themselves.

40. Pea Ridge

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 26.8
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.1
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 8.8

Pea Ridge was once the site of a Civil War battle, a fact that’s commemorated by the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Today, Pea Ridge is a remarkably safe city of approximately 5,000 people who continue to revere its historical roots.

41. Rogers

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.3
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 29.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 3.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.1

Rogers is one of the largest cities in Arkansas, taking up a third of the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan area. Even though its population exceeds 61,000, it’s still got an impressive track record for crime, which included 17 robberies and zero murders in 2014.

42. Cabot

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 28.7
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.1

Big-city convenience and small-town values are one of the reasons Cabot is so popular. It’s one of Little Rock’s most affluent suburbs, providing residents with outstanding amenities and services, including a police department that’s equipped with the latest in crime detection and prevention technology.

43. Dumas

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 1.1
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 22.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 10.2
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.3

Outdoor sports are a big attraction in Desha County, and Dumas natives have access to some of the best fishing holes along the Arkansas River. A profusion of museums, shopping, and cultural events make life here even sweeter, as does the low crime rate.

44. Carlisle

• Violent crime per 1,000: 1.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 25.4
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 10.4
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.3

The people of Carlisle are known for being caring and hardworking. The community has a “can do” attitude that’s focused on keeping the city’s growth moving forward. The Carlisle Police Department’s job is to keep crime from growing along with the population.

45. Atkins

• Violent crime per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 31.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 6.6
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.6

A mere two violent crimes were reported in Atkins in 2014, which makes this city deserving of recognition on our list. Property crime occurred a little more often, but the burglary count was held to 20 through the efforts of citizens working in conjunction with the Atkins Police Department.

46. Piggott

• Violent crime per 1,000: 2.2
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 27.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 9.5
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.7

One of Piggott’s most famous visitors was writer Ernest Hemingway, giving this city something of a celebrity status. Even without that notoriety, we think Piggott is a place that shines because of how safe it is, and that makes the local police department the real star.

47. Brinkley

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.4
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.7
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 26.0
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 7.8
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.7

Brinkley sees a lot of tourist action, thanks to its proximity to Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, home of the ivory-billed woodpecker. It’s also a hotspot once duck hunting season opens up, but all those out-of-towners passing through don’t detract from Brinkley’s first-class safety rating.

48. Arkadelphia

• Violent crime per 1,000: 3.8
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 29.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 6.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.8

The city of Arkadelphia sits in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, close to the DeGray Lake Resort State Park. There’s no shortage of things to do out of doors and residents love how tranquil Arkadelphia’s surroundings are. The community’s decent reputation for safety adds to the appeal.

49. Ozark

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.1
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 29.2
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 6.3
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 9.9

Ozark is where it all begins, but one thing that’s stopped in its tracks is crime. The Ozark Police Department aggressively responds to reports of criminal activity in the city while safeguarding citizens’ lives, property and rights.

50. Green Forest

• Violent crime per 1,000: 4.3
  
• Robbery per 1,000: 0.0
  
• Property crime per 1,000: 30.1
  
• Burglary per 1,000: 5.7
  
• CreditDonkey safety score: 10.0

The city of Green Forest completes our rankings, and like the 49 cities above it, it boasts a crime rate that residents can be proud of. Twelve violent crimes were reported in 2014, while 16 burglary reports were lodged in the property crime category.

Bottom Line

If you live in one of these 50 Arkansas cities, take heart in knowing that your hometown is secure. To learn more about protecting yourself against crime, check out CreditDonkey’s essential tips for home security.

The Top 50 Safest Cities in Arkansas

Safest Cities in Arkansas © CreditDonkey